Practice of Civil Engineering

1. Professional Responsibility
As a faithful trustee to the public interest and private interest of clients, civil engineers have
the following responsibilities:

1. Civil engineers shall conduct themselves in a highly professional manner and faithfully serve
their clients and employers.

2. Civil engineers are bound by the Canon Laws.

3. Sustainable development is the top priority in professional engagement.

4. The highest standard of Ethical Professional Practice should be maintained when civil
engineers are dealing with employers or clients.

2. Client-Civil Engineering Relationships

Many engineering works are formed between civil engineers and the following:

1. Government agencies
2. Industry
3. Private clients
4. Civil engineering firms engaged for a specific project
5. Public agencies
6. Independent civil engineering firms

2.1 OBLIGATIONS OF THE CIVIL ENGINEER

 As a faithful trustee, civil engineers are obliged to do the following:

1. Perform their obligations with diligence, care, and reasonable skill.

2. Shall act independently and accordingly to the contract, when required to certify or
decide between a client and a third party.

3. Act as the client's faithful agent implied in the contract.

4. Give written notice on particulars of any change in the scope of services.

5. For staged services, civil engineers shall not initiate ay service without the approval of
the client.

6. When required, civil engineers shall direct or work with other professions and
integrate concerned work, but shall not be professionally liable for their work.
 7. The civil engineer may recommend contractors or specialists to design and execute
certain parts of the works.

8. Any interest which may have conflict of interest of the client should be notified by the
civil engineer.

2.2 OBLIGATIONS OF THE CLIENT

The following obligations are of the client to the civil engineer:

1. The client shall pay the civil engineer for his services as stipulated in the contract.
2. Information required by the civil engineer shall be provided by the client in writing and the
latter shall allow the civil engineer reasonable time.
3. The client shall cooperate and not interfere or obstruct in the performance of services.
4. The client shall make arrangements to allow the civil engineer to do site investigation and
inspection of facilities ASAP.
5.The client shall shoulder the arrangement of services of other professionals and bear all costs.
6. In cases of clients allowing civil engineers as Engineer-to-the-Contract, the client shall give
instructions through the civil engineers.
7. Client shall notify the civil engineer through writing within 7 days of any change he is aware
of.

2.3 LIABILITY OF THE CIVIL ENGINEER AND THE CLIENT

1. The civil engineer shall pay for damages arising out of breach of duty of care against the civil
engineer to the client.

2. The client shall be liable to pay to the civil engineer if a break of client's duty is established
against the client.

3. Conflicts arising from the agreement between the client and the civil engineer follows the
process of arbitration.

4. A third-party arbitrator should be mutually acceptable to both parties.

2.3.1 LIMITATION OR CIVIL ENGINEER'S RESPONSIBILITY

1. The civil engineer shall not be liable for damages, loss, and costs: 
 for any errors or omissions for documents not prepared by  him or under his control, 
 for fraudulent services or negligence by the client or any other consultant , contractor, supplier.
2. The civil engineer shall not be liable for the performance of other consultants, contractors,
suppliers (regardless of recommendation).
 3.The civil engineer shall not be responsible for the procedures of techniques adopted by any
third party.

2.3.2 DAMAGES

If the civil engineer is found liable, the damages shall be paid on the following terms:

1. Damages for the foreseeable loss and damage as a result of the breach.

2. The maximum amount is specified in the Specific Provision. However, if no specific amount is
given: the lesser of 300,000Php or 10% of the total amount damages or 25% of the total fees
payable under the agreement.

3. If a third-party is found liable in some parts of the service, the amount payable shall be
limited to the proportion of work under breach.

2.4 SUSPENSION OR TERMINATION OF SERVICES

1. In cases when the civil engineer is not liable but it is impossible to continue the
project, the civil engineer shall notify the client promptly.

2. If only portions of the work are suspended, time shall be extended. For cases with
reduction of performance speed, extension depends on the circumstances.

3. A 30-day (minimum)notice shall be given by the client to the civil engineer in cases
when client suspends or terminates work. Upon notification, civil engineer should make
necessary arrangements to stop operation.

4. A 30-day (minimum)notice shall be given by the civil engineer for suspension or
termination

2.5 OWNERSHIP OF DATA, DESIGNS AND DOCUMENTS

The civil engineer owns the following documents, which shall be used for specific
projects covered in the contract between the client and the engineer:
 Design analyses
 Drawings
 Specifications
 Reproductions